HOLIDAY TRADITIONS MAKE LASTING MEMORIES
By Susan Edmondson, Downtown Partnership President and CEO

The holidays mean different things to many people: Foremost, the
season means being together with family and good friends. But also the
holidays are about parties and celebrations, the onset of winter, baking
and sweet treats, twinkling lights, excitable children, and, yes, of course,
shopping.
Here’s what I think the holiday season really means:
making memories.
Downtown is the keeper of holiday memories for so many of us. How
many of you have experienced some of these holiday traditions in our
downtown?
• Nearly 40 years of “Nutcracker” performances with the Colorado
Springs Philharmonic and its predecessor orchestra have entertained
literally hundreds of thousands of people young and old alike.
• Holiday Magic continues to delight families with hands-on fun and
learning at the Pioneers Museum.
• Now in its 30th year, the Festival of Lights Parade is a highlight of the
season, with high school marching bands from throughout the region,
jolly floats and good cheer.
• Also in its 30th year, Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care’s Trees
of Life ceremony helps us remember those we’ve loved and lost.
• So many enduring rough times have been comforted by a Thanksgiving

meal at City Auditorium,
hosted by Springs Rescue
Mission.
• Thousands worship every year
at Advent and Christmas Eve
services in the many historic
churches downtown.
• Every year, strolling carolers
and free wassail make holiday
shopping a delight at beloved
locally owned shops, many of
which have been serving our
community for decades, such The Original Dickens Carolers perform
downtown throughout the holiday
as Poor Richard’s, Mountain
season.
Chalet, CJ Kard, Sparrowhawk
Cookware, Meeker Music and Terra Verde.
At Downtown Partnership, we are thrilled to help everyone in the
Pikes Peak region relive favorite holiday memories and make new
ones. In particular, Skate in the Park, now in its second year, is sure to
become an annual tradition for many. Through this team effort with
our city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, last
year thousands of you enjoyed our region’s only outdoor skating rink.
We know that thousands of you will return this year, and thousands
more will experience it for the first time.
Downtown belongs to all of us, and we are happy to provide experiences here that you won’t find anywhere else. On behalf of all of us at
Downtown Partnership, we wish you a memorable holiday season.

Northstar Bank

We are pleased to announce the opening
of our new Downtown building
501 South Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
At Northstar Bank Colorado, we are committed to our
customers, our employees, our community and to
Building a Brighter Future for Colorado.

Each holiday season, shoppers come downtown to visit the stores they’ve grown to love over
the years. Terra Verde, Sparrow Hawk Cookwear, CJ Kard, Rutledge’s and others are downtown
destinations.
This year, shoppers will find downtown has even more to offer, with a shopping experience
unique to anywhere else in the city: Pop Up Shops. These new, temporary retailers will be open
for a limited time–part of the appeal to shoppers and store owners alike.
Chosen through a competitive application process, the pop-ups fill vacant storefronts and
provide owners with a chance to test out locations and business concepts, a trend that has
proven successful in markets throughout the county. Store owners in this program are required
to participate in an educational series in partnership with the Small Business Development
Center and Downtown Partnership, allowing shop owners to learn and ask questions of experts
in organizational structure, social media, merchandising, and more. It’s a cost-effective concept
for a new business, and can mitigate risk for shops owners and landlords, while filling a vacancy
for the short term during the busiest shopping season of the year.

As an inaugural program for Downtown Colorado Springs, the 2014 Holiday Pop Up Shop
program brings five new retailers to downtown. Products range from artisan soaps and gifts to
new and “pre-loved” children’s toys, apparel for all ages, and a wide selection of artwork by local
artists. Initially the program was to have stores open from November 1 through December 30,
but already some stores have decided to stay and sign a longer lease.

Treat Your Family to a Gift
They’ll Enjoy for Years to Come!
Sound Shop

It’s not the first time pop-up shops have opened downtown. In 2012
Amy Stretmater opened her store, Koru Street, as a pop-up shop for
the holiday season. She already had a successful online business, and
wanted to test a physical location. “When I opened as a pop-up, I
could analyze the retail opportunities over a few months in a real
continued on page 11

Our 50 years of Home Entertainment Experience
means you’ll get exactly what you want and need.
We Promise.

Enter Our 50th Anniversary Giveaway
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(719) 636-1684

Rocky Mountain SOAP Market is open at 220 N. Tejon Street, next door to
former pop-up Koru Street.

DOWNTOWN COLORADO SPRINGS • WWW.DOWNTOWNCS.COM

~3~

The joy and belly laughter
I hear in the kids’ hearts at

SKATE IN THE PARK RETURNS
Nearly 10,000 skaters came to Skate in the Park during the
2013 Winterfest Downtown. This year, the rink returns for eight
weeks, continuing a new tradition in the heart of downtown.
How it began

In 2012, an ambitious group of community leaders brought a skating
rink to Acacia Park. For 10 days the synthetic ice rink provided a fun
experience even though it wasn’t truly “authentic.” Based on the limited
success of that rink, the city’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services
Department took hold of the idea to bring real ice to Acacia Park for
2013. Director Karen Palus, who had experience with temporary ice
rinks in Florida, decided if they could do real ice in Tampa, surely it
could be done here.
A collaboration between the city’s Parks department, Downtown
Partnership and Colorado Springs Utilities was formed to bring the
ice rink to reality. Colorado Springs Utilities made infrastructure im-

each night when I walk

provements at the park to support
home.
the chillers needed to keep the ice
– Lori Furstenberg,
frozen. Staff from the city’s Sertich
Downtown Resident
Ice Center took on staffing and
operations, as well as the challenging task of maintaining an outdoor
rink during days with temperatures that varied from barely above zero
and snow to well into the 60s with sun. Downtown Partnership recruited
sponsors, booked entertainment, arranged media interviews, and got
the word out about the new downtown attraction. By late November,
the only outdoor rink in the region opened for a six-week season.
Enhancing the festive spirit

Caroling and live music added to the festive atmosphere as skaters,
family and friends came to skate, shop, and dine. Skaters from under
3 years of age to well into their 70s took to the ice to try their skills,
some speeding past while others clung to rails to simply stay
continued on page 7

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU? FIND MOTIVATION DOWNTOWN
After the holidays, our focus turns to resolutions for the new
year. Losing weight, eating healthier, and finding time in our
busy schedules to spend with friends and family are admirable
goals, and if you need ways to get motivated or keep to your
new resolutions, check this out.
Ways to get fit

The weekly tradition of Jack Quinn’s Running Club downtown even has a
dog club, so your canine pal can get fit, too. Photo by PikesPeakSports.us.

Phantom

• Run or walk a 5k every Tuesday–no matter what the weather–with
the Jack Quinn’s Running Club. You can even bring Fido along for the
fun.
• Join the Downtown
YMCA, offering adult
and family memberships.
• Participate in a fit camp
with Skyline Nutrition.
• Check out CityRock
climbing gym, which has
camps for all ages and
skill levels.
• Pedal on with the
UpaDowna Pedal Party
social bike ride every
The open gym at ReVibe Pilates and
Bodywork.
Wednesday night, May
through September, starting at McCabe’s Tavern.
• Find your inner strength at a class or workshop at the Colorado
Springs Tai Chi Association.
• Give yoga or Pilates a try at one of many downtown studios,
where you’ll find personal one-on-one attention.
Healthier eating

• You can find juices, smoothies
and healthy locally sourced food
at places such as Ola Juice Bar
and Nourish Organic Juice.
• It’s easy to go gluten-free
downtown–just head to
Coquette’s Bistro and Bakery
where everything on the menu is
gluten-free. Try a gluten-free beer
at Fieldhouse Brewery, or glutenfree pizza at Poor Richard’s.
Most restaurants downtown offer
gluten-free and vegan options.
• If beef is more your thing, try
The Orange, with fresh Colorado
a local grass-fed beef burger at
peaches, is one of the vegan, raw,
and organic juice options at Ola
Skirted Heifer. It’s covered in a
Juice Bar.
skirt of delicious cheese.
• Brown bag it, then spend your lunch hour exploring the Pioneers
Museum, skating in the winter or playing shuffleboard in the summer
at Acacia Park.
continued on page 9

DOWNTOWN COLORADO SPRINGS • WWW.DOWNTOWNCS.COM

~5~

THE ECONOMICS OF SHOPPING LOCAL
Question: When is a toy, or a stocking stuffer, or a new sweater more
than just a holiday gift?
Answer: When it’s purchased locally.

That’s because
shopping local–
patronizing small
businesses instead
of big-box chains or
online retailers – has
ripple effect that
enriches local
economies.
Here in Colorado
Springs, sales
tax makes up the largTerra Verde will wrap gifts while you wait, not only est source of revenue
during the holidays, but year round.
in the city’s General
Fund – nearly 60 percent. However, when shoppers turn to the Internet or other cities, retail spending “leaks” outside of the community,
and the impact is significant. That can mean fewer dollars for core city
services such as roads, infrastructure, parks and public safety.
In the Colorado Springs metro area, retail accounts for 68,146 jobs
and nearly $2.9 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) – more than
manufacturing, health care, or professional services. Retail sales are a
major source of revenue to the local economy, and choosing to shop
locally ensures a higher percentage of the revenue stays directly in the
community.
Not only do local retailers hire local staff, but they often use local
suppliers, keeping a larger percentage of revenue within the area. The
multiplier effect deems that for every dollar spent at a local business,
about 45 cents is reinvested in the community. Compare that figure

Zerbe

with shopping at a chain store, where on average only 15 cents ends up
being reinvested locally.
Retail, like tourism, can lure dollars from both inside and outside the
community. Unique, one-of-a-kind, destination stores particularly attract sales tax dollars into our city. Such is the case for downtown retailer
Bellissima, a local business that carries the Simpli brand of travelwear,
attracting loyal customers from up and down the Front Range. What’s
In Store customers come from across the region to get Lampe Berge
lamps and oils, which aren’t sold elsewhere in the area. True, you can get
continued on page 8

The Shop Local Challenge:

• Buy baked goods from local bakeries such as La Baguette,
Cupcake Girls, Bella’s Bakery, or Coquette’s Bistro & Bakery,
where you can also get gluten-free flour.
• Buy your daily coffee or schedule your business meetings at an
independent coffee shop.
• Buy local beer! Downtown breweries abound and plenty of
pubs serve local brews.
• Ensure your business supports other local businesses. Use a local
accounting firm, bank, and legal counsel, as well as a local
marketing firm or designer for your business needs.
• Support local artists. Downtown abounds with galleries that tend
to offer smaller, specially priced works for the holiday season.
• If you have family visiting for the holidays, head to dinner at a
local restaurant like The Famous or Jose Muldoon’s after skating
at Acacia Park. Then, take the kids to Josh & Johns for the best
locally made ice cream!
• Support your local movie theater. Kimball’s Peak Three Theater
is one of the few independent movie theaters in Southern
Colorado, plus it serves wine and local brews.

upright. Despite ability–or lack thereof–there were smiles, laughter, and the creation of new
holiday traditions.
More than skating, the rink provided a reason for many to discover, or rediscover, downtown.
Store owners had new customers who saw their stores when they came to skate, then came back
to shop. One of the more intangible results was the overall atmosphere created by the rink,
music, and family-friendly activity. Downtown resident Lori Furstenberg remarked, “The joy
and belly laughter I hear in the kids’ hearts at the ice rink makes me smile each night when I
walk home.” Studies show when public spaces such as parks are “activated” with positive activity
that helps bolster community pride, deters negative activities, and can enhance economic
development.
This year, Skate in the Park returns for eight weeks, open daily through January 11, 2015. Special
theme days provide a bit of fun for anyone who wants to dress as a superhero, show some Bronco
pride, or enjoy a dine-and-skate date night. There will be opportunities to bowl with turkeys,
skate with tigers (Colorado College Tigers, that is) and even skate with Olympian and 2010
National Championship figure skater Rachael Flatt. Full details about theme days and other
entertainment can be found at www.DowntownCS.com/skate.

Rink Fun Facts
The 55 x 100 foot (5,500 square feet) rink
takes approximately two weeks to install.
175 tons of sand are used as a base.
44,800 feet of coolant-filled pipes are
under the ice. A temperature gauge and
compressor aim to keep the surface at
zero degrees Fahrenheit.
123,428 gallons of water are used for the
initial flooding, creating ice three inches
thick
The zamboni, which travels at 4 mph, is a
modified lawn mower, shaving the surface
of the ice and dumping new water to
create a smooth surface.

When you go
• $10 per person, includes skates
• Children under 4 years old are free
with a paid adult admission
• $1 off for Military with valid ID
Learn to skate lessons, special theme
day promotions, live entertainment
and more can be found at
www.DowntownCS.com/skate.

NOVEMBER

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DECEMBER

JANUARY
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HOURS:

Presenting Sponsor

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11am-9pm

Holidays 11am-4pm

4-9pm

11am-1pm AND 4-9pm
Official Sponsors
~7~

LOCAL continued from page 6

either brand online, but you can’t feel it, try it on, or smell the scents
from your computer. Often, in-store pricing is the same or even better
than online.
Another locally owned destination is known less for the brands they
carry and more for the experience and wonder that comes with roaming through the aisles of quirky and surprising products. Zeezo’s is
not just a Halloween destination, but one for costumes of any kind,
stage makeup, and magic tricks. Stores such as these draw people from
outside city limits and neighboring towns such as Manitou Springs,
Woodland Park, and even Pueblo.
Small Business Saturday, November 29

Started in 2010, Small Business Saturday was created the Saturday after Thanksgiving as a complement to Black Friday and
Cyber Monday, but with the distinct purpose of promoting and
supporting the small, locally owned businesses that make up the
fabric of our communities.
Small Business Saturday downtown means free on-street parking, one-day-only specials at many stores and restaurants, and
the annual tree lighting in Acacia Park. But more than that, it’s
a reminder to support local businesses every day, as part of the
holiday shopping season and throughout the year.

Finally, a healthy retail sector is also a reflection of quality of life. A
diverse mix of both local and chain retailers makes the community a
compelling place to live for families and people of all ages.
Our downtown, just like city centers everywhere, is continually changing
and evolving to keep up with changing demographics and demands of
consumers. Beloved shopkeepers retire, but in their places are new stores,
restaurants and services. What doesn’t change is an underlying pride of
ownership, dedication to service, and an entrepreneurial spirit you find
only when shopping at a
locally owned stores.
Exclusive brands sold
downtown:

• Volunteer at Seeds Community Cafe and get a healthy meal for
your efforts.
• Sign on with CAPS (Community Advancing Public Safety), the
official volunteer program of the Colorado Springs Police and Fire
departments.
• Volunteer with one of the many human service organizations
downtown such as Urban Peak, Marion House, or ESM.
Expand your horizons

• Pick up knitting or crocheting at Woolly Works
Knit Shop, or learn to
sew at Stitch Studio.
• Take a photography class
at Colorado Photography School, or try your
hand at painting, drawVolunteers at Seeds Cafe.
ing, and more at Bemis
School of Art at the Fine
Arts Center, or Cottonwood Center for the Arts.
• Become the family genealogist using special collections at the 1905
Carnegie Library.
• Learn about art, history, and culture in the downtown Creative
District with monthly guided walking tours.
Relax after a stressful holiday season

• An array of nail and spa services await, and Beauty Bar can even
serve you a cocktail as you pamper yourself.
• Take the afternoon away from the office for a massage at
Hyacinths Boutique and Spa, ReVibe Pilates and Bodywork, or one
of the mini-spas downtown.
• Get dolled up with a new ’do from one of many salons, including
the new B&Co or Westline Barbershop.
• Try a staycation at the Mining Exchange Hotel, Antlers Hotel,
or even a downtown bed and breakfast!

A guest room at The Mining Exchange, a Wyndham Grand Hotel.

THE ALL-PURPOSE,
ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFT CARD
The gift card. In recent
years, it’s become the gift
of choice for those hard-tobuy-for friends and family,
as well as an easy last-minute gift. While some may
think it’s not as personal,
others think it’s the most
personal gift you can give
(or receive). After all, what’s
better than picking out
exactly what you want?

Sometimes, picking out your own gift really is
the best!

Many restaurants and retail stores downtown offer gift cards and gift
certificates, but if you simply can’t decide, consider a Downtown Gift
Card. It’s the perfect gift for any occasion–holidays, birthdays,
graduations, employee or client appreciation and more.
Available from the Downtown Partnership, the card is accepted at nearly
100 locations throughout downtown, including restaurants, shops,
entertainment venues, hotels, and service businesses. Available in any
denomination, it works like a credit card. Unlike pre-paid credit cards,
there are no per-transaction costs, and no fees are applied until after 12
months of inactivity.
Where to purchase:

JUST A TASTE OF OUR
MANY HOMEMADE
BAKED GOODS
COME TRY OUR MEATBALLS!
Specializing in meatballs and catering

DOWNTOWN COLORADO SPRINGS • WWW.DOWNTOWNCS.COM

~9~

STOCKING STUFFERS
You’ve crossed off most items on your
holiday shopping list, but stocking stuffers
perplex you. Here are a few suggestions of small items that will surprise and
delight on Christmas morning:

DON’T BE PERPLEXED
BY PARKING
Enjoy free on-street
metered parking
every Saturday from
Thanksgiving through
Christmas, plus:
City parking
garages. Three
locations in the core of
downtown, you can park for only 75 cents an hour during
weekdays, and only $1 after 4 p.m. (or earlier) and $1 all day
on weekends. It’s cheaper than a meter, and there’s no threat of
getting a ticket!
• Bijou and Cascade (enter from Cascade)
• Kiowa and Nevada (above the transit terminal)
• Nevada and Colorado
On-street parking. Metered parking is $1 an hour, less than most
cities of our size. Meters in the core of downtown accept credit
cards, so you don’t need to dig for loose change.
Numerous private parking lots with hourly rates are also located
downtown. If a bicycle is more your style, use one of the many
new bike racks installed throughout downtown.

POP UP continued from page 3

business scenario. It also allowed my landlord and me to vet each other as business partners,
allowing our negotiations to lead to a better outcome for both sides,” said Stretmater. October
25 this year was Koru Street’s second anniversary.
When Zeezo’s moved to its new larger location in October last year, the former space was leased
to two different pop ups. Coquette’s Bistro and Bakery used their pop-up to expose downtowners to their gluten-free baked goods before opening their new, permanent downtown location at
321 N. Tejon Street. Realty company The Agency also did a pop-up in the former Zeezo’s space
before moving to the Poet Lofts in the Lowell neighborhood.
Downtown shopping provides a unique experience in itself, and one of the draws to downtown
always has been finding something different with every visit. Pop-up shops enhance the downtown shopping experience, and provide products you simply won’t find anywhere else in the city.
The downtown Holiday Pop-Up Shops will be
open only through December 30, so explore
them
before they’re gone!
1
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Local and national artists, community piano,
and more Acineau Astounding Art Adventures.
Mellissa & Doug wooden toys, play sets, and gifts.
New and “pre-loved” clothing sizes NB-18, baby
gear, toys and children’s furniture.

4
2

PLATTE AVE

Acineau Galleries, 214 N. Tejon St.

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4
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With a socially conscious approach to streetwear,
Required Attire offers high-quality apparel and
accessories and has been featured in 303
Magazine and art galleries throughout Denver.

All Pop-Up Shops will be open
the following hours through
December 30.
Wednesday-Thursday
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sundays
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving and
Christmas. Contact the stores
directly for information on
extended hours and special
events.

COPPeR

Fill your night with our local stars!
Find over 2,500 events, 300 cultural groups
and 365 artists, day or night, with just one click ...

The Pikes Peak Trombone Choir will perform at
Acacia Park at 2 p.m. on December 14, just one
of many musical performances throughout the
Skate in the Park season.

Skate in the Park
Open every day through January 11, 2015.
Special theme skate days include turkey bowling, skating with members of the Colorado
College Tigers hockey team, Bronco Pride
days, and even an opportunity to skate with
National Champion figure skater Rachael
Flatt. Check online calendar for full hours
of operation, theme days, entertainment and
more www.downtowncs.com/skate.

Small Business Saturday, November 29
Head downtown and support the local
businesses with one-of-a-kind items you won’t
find anywhere else. Supporting locally owned
businesses keeps more money in the local
economy. Plus, stick around for the tree
lighting and singing by the Children’s Chorale,
6 p.m. at Acacia Park.
Holiday Stroll, December 3
Downtown stores stay open until 8 p.m. and
carolers and performers provide holiday cheer.
One-night-only specials, refreshments, and
more. Visit the website for a list of participating shops. www.downtowncs.com/stroll.
First Friday Downtown, December 5
Downtown galleries open from 5 to 8 p.m.
Explore local art at galleries throughout

What Makes A
Great Bank...

downtown,
including the
ever-popular 7th
annual Small
Works Show at
The Modbo and
S.P.Q.R. galleries, 17 E. Bijou
(entrance in the
alley). Plus,
First Friday
Downtown in
December
includes fire
spinning
performances in
Acacia Park! www.
downtowncs.
com/firstfriday.

LONNIE PARSONS
Regional President

Even the smallest shoppers
support local businesses on
Small Business Saturday.

DAVE WARNER

Community Bank President

An outstanding team of local bankers committed to serving you.
ANB is an independent community bank with the strength, talent, commitment
and security to fulfill the financial needs of both businesses and individuals.
ANB Bank